In Chicago the Burt Natarus declared the council could save lots of costs by just hiring three people to tip the bobbleheads at the Aldermanic desks to agree with Daley. Given the Board of Alderman has 50 members and they make just under $100,000 a year, this would save a good, but not significant amount of money for the city. There was, of course, one sticking point. Helen Shiller of the 46th had the gall to actually vote against Daley from time to time.
Limousine liberal has a corrolary in Chicago called the Lakeshore Liberal and Schiller fits the bill. Really they aren’t loony liberals as much as goo-goos (good government types) who think there ought to be someone watching the candy store and caring about the less fortunate. A tradition of proud independents have existed along the Lakeshore and around Hyde Park (U Chicago area) for many years, but over time Daley has either coopted them or beat them or waited for them to die so he could appoint their replacement. In recent years Schiller had been on many 49-1 votes upholding that tradition most exemplified by Dawn Clark Netsch in past years (and notably a close Daley friend and sometimes ally–ally and friend being different).
Today we learn, Schiller has crossed over to Richie’s team. I’m a strong supporter of Richard M, being exiled to a city that doesn’t work, I’ve come to appreciate the intense love he has for his city and how he has molded into a remarkable metropolis. That said, he shouldn’t be left unchecked to threaten to take his pants down when questioned.